Patch.com: A Day Off the Beach

—A Day Off the Beach—

Five Off the Beaten Path Activities, All Within Walking Distance of Treasure Island.

With summer officially started, it’s important to know just how diverse and eclectic Treasure Island’s attractions are. Here are five fun family things to do, all conveniently within walking distance of the Gulf Front parking lot.

1.) The Oceanus Slide: The first attraction is hard to miss from Treasure Island Beaches’ parking lot. An overpowering giant, blue, inflatable slide that provides a great view of Treasure Island beach and its surroundings. Providing the perfect warm-up for children, as well as anyone young at heart, as a day of Treasure Island adventuring starts.

2.) Treasure Island’s Community Center: has three Summer Camps to engage kids: a Recreational Program that offers a range of activities for children; including arts and crafts, field trips, parties, etc. As well as either a Golf or Tennis Camp which provide instruction from Golf Pro Gary Metzger and Tennis Pro Phil Girardi.

Golf and Tennis Camp run from 9AM-Noon, while the Recreation Program runs 8AM-5PM. The Recreation Program costs $400/10 weeks for Residents, and $800/10 weeks for Non-Residents. Golf and Tennis Camps cost $90/week or $20/day. Registration forms can be found here.

3.) Benjamin’s Studios: While the kids are busy in Summer Camp, it’s a perfect time to walk down the street to visit Benjamin’s Studios. A combination Art Gallery/Hair Salon/Boutique/Skin Care and Nail Studio, Benjamin’s has something for everyone. Besides its aesthetic services, Benjamin’s features motivational speakers along with traditional artists. Speaking with co-owner Jo Massaro I found that Tony Robbins associate Gary King is set to speak July 22nd.
For more information on Benjamin’s Studios’ prices and events, visit here or call (727) 954-3444.

4.) The Floridian: No trip to Treasure Island is complete without tasting some local cusine. The Floridian has been serving its authentic Cuban sandwiches since 1993, as well as its special side: the Devil Crab. A deep fried roll containing blue crab, the Devil Crab is as they claim, “a Tampa Thing.”

Open all week (11AM-9PM), the Floridian can be reached at (727) 367-6662 or visited here.

5.) Saturday Sunsets on the Trail: Finish off your trip to Treasure Island by enjoying the sunset on the Treasure Island Trail. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday through September, local artists set up shop between 104th and 108th Aves. July 2nd will feature the musical stylings of the Single Malt Brothers Band and Sarasota Slim as well as a screening of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

For a list of upcoming musicians, not to mention the occasional movie, visit My Treasure Island.